Silicone Gel Breast Implants and Saline-filled Breast Implants
Serving Denver and Aurora, Colorado
Choosing what's best for you
Information regarding the safety and effectiveness of breast implants-silicone or saline-filled-can be confusing. At the Advanced Cosmetic Surgery Center near Denver, Colorado, Dr. Serota will make recommendations as to the best option for each patient, but the final choice is up to you. Therefore, it's important to understand the differences so you can make an educated, informed decision when undergoing breast augmentation surgery.
Saline-filled Breast Implants
The outer shell of saline implants is made of a solid silicone material. Saline-filled implants are filled with sterile salt water and are currently the most commonly used type of breast implants in the U.S. Most saline implants are filled during surgery. Saline implants feature small valves in which a doctor can either add or subtract the liquid.
An advantage of saline breast implants is that, if ruptured, the saline is absorbed by the body. Saline implants can also be less expensive, require a smaller incision and can be adjusted in small increments, depending on the aesthetic or physical needs of the patient. A disadvantage is that saline implants are more likely to show ripples in the implant or the implant itself may appear less natural in small-breasted or reconstructive patients. This is especially important for very thin women who have little breast tissue to cover the implant or for women who have a breast injury or need breast reconstruction.
Approved by the FDA in November 2006, with a variety of conditions including an age restriction of 21 years or older, silicone gel-filled implants are surgically implanted either under breast tissue or under the chest muscle. Unlike saline breast implants, silicone gel breast implants are pre-filled. Surgeons order them in the requested size and they cannot be adjusted. Plastic surgeons may have to make longer incisions to place a silicone gel filled breast implant.
An advantage of silicone breast implants is that they tend to look and feel more natural. Rippling is also far less likely to occur in women with silicone implants than in women with saline implants. However, silicone implants are thought by some experts to be somewhat more prone to capsular contracture, a thick scar around the implant that contracts, causing the breasts to feel very firm.
If you have saline implants and would like to have them replaced by silicone gel implants, or if you're wondering which type of breast implant would be best for you, please schedule a personalized consultation with Denver breast augmentation surgeon Dr. Joseph Serota.
Dr. Serota can help you make a decision that works best for you and your body. Whether you choose to have saline implants or silicone gel implants, we're confident that you'll be very pleased with the results. If you'd like to learn more about the options available for a breast augmentation procedure, please e-mail or call us today to schedule your personalized consultation with Dr. Serota.
13701 E. Mississippi Ave, Suite 220
Aurora, CO 80012
303-367-9000
800-292-4691
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